‘Shared mourning practices are as important to children as they are to adults. Children facing the death of a parent can benefit greatly from adult preparation and support in anticipation of the impending loss (Siegal et al., 1990; Christ, 2000). After the loss, they need concrete evidence to accept that their loved one is physically absent and reminders to help them retain memories of that person (Silverman et, al., 1992). Althought some cultures segregate children from certain preparatory and mourning practices, others encourage their participation and may even make special provision for them.
The issue of funeral attendance has been of particular concerns in countries that shield children form death. Research evidence suggests that usually children benefit form such participation because it helps them realize the actual reality and to engage in grieving with others…’
Colin Parkes, Pittu Laungani and Bill Young, Death and Bereavement Across Cultures (2ed, 2015) Routledge Taylor & Francis at [160] – [161].
